TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

how long was vs how long is the

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'How long was' is used to inquire about the duration of something that has already ended, while 'how long is the' is used to ask about the current duration or length of something.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 2432 views

how long was

This phrase is correct and commonly used to ask about the duration of something that has already ended.

This phrase is used to inquire about the length of time something lasted in the past. It is typically followed by a specific event or period.

Examples:

  • How long was the movie?
  • How long was the meeting yesterday?
  • How long was the flight to Paris?
  • His last assignment - how long was he here?
  • And how long was he here?
  • So, how long was I out, again?
  • How long was I wearing that blindfold?
  • And how long was her tour of duty in the air national guard?
  • How long was your mother sick?
  • These were five well-spent minutes, or how long was it?
  • And how long was he at yours?
  • So how long was it in there for?
  • How long was Evan with you?
  • How long was the initial surveillance period?
  • How long was he kept there?
  • How long was she in the military?
  • How long was she with Wendy?
  • How long was he on his back?
  • Detective, how long was michelle missing?
  • So, how long was Alice upstairs?
  • And how long was she hysterical?
  • Mr. Willis, how long was Leonard working here?
  • And how long was she in here?

Alternatives:

  • How long did
  • How much time did
  • What was the duration of

how long is the

This phrase is correct and commonly used to ask about the current duration or length of something.

This phrase is used to inquire about the current length or duration of something. It is typically followed by a specific object or subject.

Examples:

  • How long is the movie?
  • How long is the flight to London?
  • How long is the book?
  • You know how long is the ditch?
  • How long is the Golden Gate Bridge?
  • Mr Vice-President, how long is the statement?
  • How long is the wagon, from the lead horse back?
  • I should just like to ask Commissioner Fischler one question: how long is the transition phase?
  • How long is the military deployment expected to last?
  • How long is the trip tomorrow for the module?
  • How long is the course?
  • How long is the flight?
  • How long is the road?
  • Might I ask how long is the passing?
  • For how long is the fixed tariff guaranteed?
  • Okay, how long is the wait for a cab?
  • Do you know how long is the shot just then?
  • Mr. Mossman, how long is the delay before the vault opens?
  • trying to figure out how long is the attention span of today's audience.
  • So, how long is the tournament in town?
  • For how long is the Liberal Group going to be so contemptuous of its own honourable origins as to maintain its links with this racist sub-group?
  • But how long is the road and wide the gulf between the declarations and modest results!
  • I mean, if I don't fall off a building or shoot myself or whatever, how long is the average?

Alternatives:

  • What is the duration of
  • How much time is left for
  • How many minutes/hours is the

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!